Photography questions answered

January26th,2011

I have serious confidence issues when it comes to photography. I know a lot but I have so much to learn, I admit this, freely, to myself and to anyone. Everyday I try to learn something new or improve on what I do know.

So, what do I know? I know what I know. Which is to say that my answers are what works for me. If the answers do not work for you, that doesn’t make them wrong, it just makes us different. Which is what this field needs…photographers who are different.

I use Lightroom and Photoshop. I shoot in RAW and make my own adjustments on each photo. I either use my own editing techniques or I use actions that I have purchased and then adjust as I see fit. I would prefer not to share which exact actions I use because well, they suit me and my style and it’s my business and I have to protect that. But if you do a google search you’ll find many and you’ll also find free ones.

I know you recently upgraded cameras, but what were you using when you joined Clickin’ Moms? What about lenses? I’ve got a NikonD40 and just added my first prime lens (Nikon 35mm f/1.8 G AF-S DX) . I want to shoot in natural light as much as possible and would love to hear what direction you went when you first started adding gear to your collection (and maybe add something similar to my bday list!!!). THANKS BETH!!! When I first joined Clickin’ Moms, I had the Nikon D80 and the 50mm 1.8. I definitely recommend a prime lens for natural light. I currently use the 50mm 1.8mm but have the 50mm 1.4 on my very short list of things to buy soon. I also have the 35mm and I like it and it’s perfect for the Nikon D40. The difference is that the 50 is for full frame (pro-sumer cameras) but can be used with the D40, it’s also slimmer than the 35mm and maybe even faster, but I’m not sure. I love it, though. I honestly thing you have a great starting combination right now!

Also, what 3 workshops did you take (RYC 101, and RYC 201, what else?) I took RYC 101, RYC 201 and Finding the Light. All mind blowing. (I will be taking more in the future…)

Would you recommend CM solely on the community aspect? (IE minus the workshops) Absolutely, 100% YES.

Are there things other than really pricey workshops that are beneficial to all? And are the forums clique-y? I don’t do clique-y … and forums get that way SO easily. I’m not a huge participant in the forums at this point in my life. I’m more of a reader, less a participant, which I’m trying to fix but I can say I’ve never noticed any cliques. (doesn’t mean they don’t exist, I’ve just never noticed them!)

I have not joined yet but I am going to seriously talk it over with my husband. My photography has really grown in the last few months and I’d like to do even more, but I’m just not sure if I’m ready to devote more time to it. On the other hand, if I’m using my camera anyway, I might as well be doing it right. Right? EXACTLY.

What photography books do you recommend? I love all your work. I can not believe that people tell me they love my work. It BLOWS MY MIND. Thank you so much! I enjoy reading books by Scott Kelby. He writes like he’s talking to you, I definitely recommend this series.

My camera is a Canon G10, not a dslr. Will the classes also help me?

I have a question: Can I HAVE that little baby with the pink hat? Please? I would like to say yes, but her parents are absolutely smitten AND she’s a good sleeper. so…probably no.

These next questions I specifically asked my friends at CM to answer, not surprisingly, they said yes! Here you go:

Let’s say I sign up for one month @ $8, then after the fact I decide “hey this is cool, let’s go ahead and sign up for a year.” How do I go about canceling the $8/month charge so I can pay the one year fee? I guess what I’m getting at is if you “cancel” the month only to turn around and pay for a year, do you have reset your username and everything, or am I overthinking this? Yes – if you sign up for one month you can cancel within Paypal prior to renewal and resub with the same username/password for a different subscription. Nothing is “lost.”)

Is this only for fancy-camera owners?
The overwhelming majority of our members have DSLRs but many of them are just learning them. There are members just starting out learning their cameras and seasoned pros who are at the top of their game – it runs the whole gamut. We don’t seem to have a lot of point and shoot camera users but they may just not post – it’s hard to say.:) There are a lot of basic DSLRs that I wouldn’t call “fancy” though so it depends on the definition of “fancy”.

How much time do you have to put into Clickin’ Moms to get great things out of it? It depends what you want to get out of it. There are people who probably just come and read all the information and take it away with them to practice and we never hear from them. We also have other very prolific posters lol. It’s a very close community and warm and welcoming so people like to share. You definitely get more out of CM the more you put into it – it’s a give and take. There is loads of information if you’re just looking to learn. But, if you’re looking to get a lot of questions answered by posting, it’s appropriate to also “give back” by answering questions, posting critique etc. so it’s not just “taking” – does that make sense? There are thousands of threads with tutorials, information, resources and freebies – there are lots of great things to “get out” of CM. However, the true value comes in actively participating, making lifelong friendships, working together to learn and sharing the mutual passion of photography with others.

The idea of taking ANY class scares the bejeezus out of me. Opens a whole new can of “What if”s.” I’ve looked around but I cannot find a price list for anything, besides membership. Are the prices of the workshops only revealed to members?

Nope.:) They’re just not on our subscription page until signup occurs as we obviously don’t want people signing up beforehand. They’re $300 for full participation and $150 for study along, when offered as an option.

Here’s one of our regular workshop announcements from today’s blog to give you an idea:

Comments

Thought of another one…I have a Canon Powershot S5iS, is that considered a DSLR?? My hubby bought it for me and I have no clue. My old Cannon 35mm I was able to switch lenses, but this one I can only add filters (I think). It also has built in macro, and every other setting under the sun which I have no clue how to use. So I think I have to sign up for CM if I’m going to get our money’s worth out of the camera.

Congrats with your business – my photography business is starting to take off too. It’s exciting!

I may be referring some clients to you soon. My inlaws live in your area, and my MIL has a couple friends who are expecting. They are intersted in getting me to shoot their babies. But since I live 4 1/2 hours from there – near Cincinnati, I’d also love to have someone to refer them to in case I can’t make it up close enough to their due date. Hope that’s OK. I love your work.

I’m really tempted to join. I have a DSLR and know NOTHING about it. I’m wondering if CM is the best starting point for someone who literally knows NOTHING about photography or if I’m better off starting with a local in-person class or “DSLR’s for Dummies” type book? Thoughts? Thanks Beth!

I love your blog… I love your work! I am an aspiring photographer and I am really, just getting started. I have been making business plans and practicing my technique, but I know I am not ready to branch out on my own. I will most definitely join CM as soon as my hubby gets some extra money! I am super excited. I’m so excited about RYC and cannot wait to get started on my journey! Thanks so much for the inspiration, Beth.

Hi Beth,
I just LOVE reading your blog and looking at your photographers. You are super talented and such a wonderful mom. I am an aspiring photographer that really wants to further pursue this hobby of mine and see if I can make it something more. That said, I live in Ontario, Canada and I am just wondering if becoming a member of Clickin’ Moms will be beneficial to me or is it mostly geared towards people living in the U.S.
As well, I currently have the Nikon D90 with the kit lens it came with (18 – 105mm) and am wondering what other lenses you would recommend for me to buy. I would like to get better close up shots.
Thanks so much for your help,
Mich

I currently have a Nikon P&S. It used to take ok pictures, but after being dropped, they aren’t so great anymore. My question is, what kind of camera would you recommend for everyday picture taking-mainly my kids in action, indoor and outdoor? I’m not an experienced photographer, so I want something that is forgiving and takes photos I’d be proud to print and frame. Thanks!